JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — Ksenia Karelina, an American citizen who had been serving a 12-year sentence in Russia for treason, returned to the United States on April 10 following a prisoner swap organized by the Trump administration. The 33-year-old Russian-American was reportedly detained after donating $50 to a U.S.-based charity that supports Ukraine.
Karelina landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where she was greeted by her fiancé, Chris, and a close friend. The exchange was reportedly facilitated by former President Donald Trump, who directed special envoy Steve Witkoff to engage with Russian officials regarding her release, according to a CNN report.
Who Is Ksenia Karelina?
Karelina, a Los Angeles resident and U.S. citizen since 2021, was visiting family in Russia when she was detained in 2024. She had previously worked at a spa and was also a trained ballerina.
Upon her return, Karelina thanked President Trump in a video posted on Sebastian Gorka’s X account, stating:
“Mr. Trump, I’m so, so grateful for you to bring me home and for the American government. I never felt more blessed to be American, and I’m so, so happy to get home. Thank you!”
According to a report by The National Desk, Trump said the release followed a request from UFC CEO Dana White, who reached out on behalf of an individual with ties to the fighting organization.
“Dana White called me and he said it’s the friend or relationship of one of the fighters… and we spoke to President Putin about it, and they made a deal,” Trump said.
Karelina was exchanged for Russian citizen Arthur Petrov, who had been detained in the U.S. on smuggling-related charges.
U.S. Citizens Freed Abroad
The Trump administration has facilitated the release of several detained Americans in 2025, including teacher Mark Fogel. Fogel was arrested in Russia in 2022 for bringing 0.6 ounces of cannabis into the country and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was released earlier this year.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Karelina’s release in a post on X, stating:
“She was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year, and President Trump secured her release. @POTUS will continue to work for the release of ALL Americans.”
Ksenia Karelina is just one of thousands of American citizens who have been sentenced to extensive punishments for minor crimes due to differing legal systems in foreign countries.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
Our president is getting U.S. citizens released while the democrats trying to bring illegal gang members back to the U.S
Kind of tells ya’ something, doesn’t it?
Long ago, the President walked among us with no protection, then A. Lincoln started violating the US constitution + got protection.
ok, how are those records releases coming along?